GMAT Essays (AWA)

Please rate it. Dont hesitate to tear it apart.

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Analysis of an Argument:
The installation of electronic, high-speed scanning devices at the entrances and exits of toll roads will obviate the need for toll booths. Automobiles will have scanner sensitive license plates- like the bar codes on consumer packaged products- so that the scanner devices will record the license number of cars entering and exiting the toll road. Car owners will be billed monthly by the highway authorities.
Discuss how logically persuasive you find the above argument. In presenting your point of view, analyze the sort of reasoning used and supporting evidence. In addition, state what further evidence, if any, would make the argument more sound and convincing or would make you better able to evaluate its conclusion.

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The idea of using the high-speed scanning devices at the entrances and exits of toll roads clearly lacks enough information to come to a logical conclusion. It does not mention the cost of the scanning devices. Also, the argument does not mention how to take action against those cars without scanner sensitive license plates.
First of all, the argument does mention the cost of such scanner devices. If the cost is higher than the actual toll booths, then those devices are unncessary. Also, it is unclear from the argument how often such hight-speed scanning devices need to be replaced or repaired. Clearly, the cost of maintainance needs to be taken into account as well.
Secondly, the argument fails to explain the consequences of not having scanner sensitive license plates. If, for example, a person without such plates drives past, it is unclear how the scanning devices will record its license number. If there is no law enforcerment at the site, people without the scanner sensitive license plates may easily get way without having to pay the bill.
Furthermore, it is unclear how the car owners will get their bills. For example, people who constantly move do not have one reliable address. The argument does not specify how and where the bills would be sent for these kinds of people. Even if the bills are sent to the right address, the argument does not specify the deadline for the payment or process of the payment.
Therefore, it would make more sense if the argument mentioned how much it actually costs to install and repair such devices. Similarly, the idea of using such devices would be more convincing if the bill processing methods were made clear. Finally, it would be an even more compelling case if the argument mentioned the type of actions that would be taken against the cars without scanner sensitive license plates.
In conclusion, this argument clearly lacks enough information to come to a logical conclusion. It would be easier to come to a conclusion with more clarity on the costs of installation and repairment, the billing process and the type of action that would be taken against the people who don’t carry suitable license plates.


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